KT&G Obtains High Ratings in S&P and Moody's Credit Evaluations

KT&G announced on the 7th that it has received international credit ratings of 'A- (Stable)' from S&P and 'A3 (Stable)' from Moody's, two of the world's top three credit rating agencies.

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S&P's high credit rating of A- indicates a sound credit status with significantly low credit risk. This is the highest level among domestic large corporations excluding public enterprises and financial companies, and it is the same rating as the world's top tobacco companies. The A3 rating from Moody's is also among the highest levels for domestic large corporations, recognizing KT&G's excellent financial stability.

Global credit rating agencies assessed that KT&G maintains strong business stability by holding a high market dominance in the tobacco business sector. They also positively evaluated the company's stable profit generation and low financial leverage ratio. Furthermore, KT&G's high performance in the NGP (Next Generation Products, electronic cigarettes) business and diversification into non-tobacco businesses such as the ginseng business were deemed excellent. In particular, global credit rating agencies focused on KT&G's global business growth, forecasting that overseas operations could expand further with growth investments such as the establishment of new factories in Indonesia and Kazakhstan.

Previously, in June 2023, KT&G received the highest rating of 'AAA (Stable)' from Korea's top three corporate credit rating agencies: Korea Ratings, Korea Investors Service, and NICE Investors Service.

A KT&G official stated, "Despite the increasing uncertainties domestically and internationally, we have been recognized by global credit rating agencies for our faithful implementation of the company's mid- to long-term vision and financial soundness." He added, "Going forward, we will continue to build a stable financial structure based on excellent credit ratings and focus on core business investments aligned with our vision of 'leaping to the global top tier.'"

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